I don't know if peak is an accurate term. His bands still played stuff that blew everyone else away (except for maybe a few fusion groups). I'm thinking that as good as Imaginary Diseases was, it was not a great money maker.

^ Yeah, his rock guitar work of the 80s definitely kept evolving and I suppose technically he was continuing to make breakthroughs. Maybe the speed and complexity of the intervals during his solos were advancing. My main problem, of course, is the new material at that time. It just doesn't hit the spot for me for reasons I've expressed enough in the past.

As a huge "fan" I must admit I dislike Bobby Brown, and Dancin' Fool is just okay. I noticed they were favorites of many fans but I am not among those fans. I'd rather hear, say, RDNZL any day of the week. Or, if we're talking specifically SY, Yo Mama and Flakes.

Watermelon In Easter Hay from 1979 I could accept. Of course, for me, FZ's peak was 1966-1979. A very long peak.

Yep Downer has got my point, Artistic peak- I love his stuff 66 to 70 in particular but I think he reached an artistic peak with Petite and in particular his guitar work on Imaginary Diseases in amazing but it made him no money. Yeah, sure he continued to make amazing music (Ship arriving and his classical efforts etc) throughout his career but although I find Bobby Brown and the like funny- its not what he will be remembered for and be performed by others.........

Which parts of Petite Wazoo have the peak Rock guitar? Or, for that matter, "Rock" compositions? Just so I understand the question.

btw, Over-nite Sensation followed the Wazoo. Titties and Beer was 1976. And don't tell me Camarillo Brillo is dumbed down. The arrangement is beautiful.

The work on Petite, Wazoo and Waka/Jawaka is amazing. Although I love the big three Overnite, Apost & One Size they are generally simpler compositions and often follow more standard forms, blues etc.....

Agreed, a lot of the music from this period is awesome - and would be with or without horns. I suppose at this time using horns in rock/jazz fusion was popular and Zappa wanted to have a crack at it too

Undoubtedly the horn parts were written for horns for the most part. A great period in FZ's musical life but I think stuff like Punky's Whips (1976) is on the same level as the best of the Wazoo material. The lyrics are not dumb. They are silly and very funny. Plus, he hits his target.

KUIII wrote:

I’m not necessarily thinking guitar solos, but compositions like Moggio, Tink Walks Amok, We Are Not Alone, What’s New in Baltimore, Alien Orifice, Envelopes, SATLTSADW, etc.I agree the ‘80’s albums are definitely a lot more uneven but there’s still some real jewels in there.

You mentioned a couple of my favorites from the '80-'86 period. Witch and Baltimore. Of course, the guitar is prominent in those two. I need to listen to a couple of those on your list again. Been awhile. Thanks!

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